KOTA KINABALU: Relocating the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), the second busiest entry point into Malaysia, to Kimanis is crucial to addressing future congestion problems, said Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob (GRS-Sindumin).
He stated that the feasibility study report on the project has been submitted to the state government and is awaiting approval to commence construction.
“Although Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced the Federal Government’s decision to upgrade KKIA, we believe it is not a viable long-term solution. The existing airport has only one runway and occupies a 900-acre (364ha) site, leaving little room for expansion,” Yusof said at the Sabah Legislative Assembly yesterday.
He said that Singapore’s Changi Airport, by comparison, has three runways and covers 6,100 acres (2468ha).
“The relocation won’t happen overnight. It would take about five years to construct the new facilities and two more years for flight simulations.
“We need space for more runways, additional luggage carousels, cargo handling, and a flying school to meet the increasing number of flights and visitors to the state,” he added.
Yusof also said that the distance to the proposed airport, about 60km from KKIA in Petagas, should not be an issue, as many international airports are far from their main cities.
